Contact: Andrea Smith, L.E.A.D Uganda, 646-220-5950, andrea@leaduganda.org  

ATLANTA, April 18, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In seven years, L.E.A.D Uganda, an indigenous non-profit based in Kampala, Uganda, has transformed the lives of 103 forgotten children into leaders. These AIDS orphans, abducted girls, former child soldiers, youth in child-headed families, and child laborers have been lifted up from a place of suffering to become young leaders who are empowered, imbued with confidence, and a desire to serve their communities.

L.E.A.D Uganda will share its program's vision with attendees at the fifth annual Orange conference in Atlanta, a gathering of church leaders, parents, and educators who share a common goal to influence the next generation. The L.E.A.D booth is located in the Social Justice Hall, Atrium Gallery, Booth #CC7.

Julius Kimbowa, 18, a former child laborer, who grew up without a father in a slum, and struggled to stay in school, is representing the children of L.E.A.D. Julius is now an "A" student at one of Uganda's top high schools. A talented public speaker, Julius preaches regularly at his local church. He is looking forward to meeting young people in America who share his passion for helping their communities, and serving God's kingdom. This is Julius's first trip out of Uganda.

Monica Nankoma, the director of L.E.A.D Uganda, and Stephen Shames, a photojournalist who founded L.E.A.D in 2004, are also attending the conference.

The holistic approach that L.E.A.D takes to catapult poor children at the bottom of society into leaders is based on two fundamental values: Family and Education.

The glue of African society is the clan, which has been decimated by the conflict in northern Uganda and the AIDS epidemic. L.E.A.D is a family, the clan these children have lost. L.E.A.D's Ugandan staff, acting as aunts and uncles, heals these broken children with love, discipline, and counseling; and makes them whole again.

L.E.A.D children are placed into the top schools in Uganda where they excel academically and gain leadership skills. Their peers, the sons and daughters of cabinet ministers, doctors, and business executives, elect them to leadership positions. The older L.E.A.D children attend university. They return to L.E.A.D to mentor and tutor the younger students.

Before joining L.E.A.D, these children endured unspeakable injustices, so it is fitting that the L.E.A.D booth is in the Social Justice Hall.

To arrange interviews with Julius, who will share his powerful story, and Monica Nankoma, and Stephen Shames, contact:

Andrea Smith, Marketing Director, 646.220.5950, andrea@leaduganda.org.  

For more information: www.leaduganda.org.